Welsh Language Album Of The Year 2017

The Welsh bands Colorama and Plu have come together as Bendith (‘Blessing’ in English).Impressed by the trio from Bethel’s harmonies, Carwyn Ellis of Colorama decided to ask Elan, Marged and Gwilym Rhys of Plu to collaborate on an album of original music and perform under the name ‘Bendith’. A single, ‘Danybanc’ was made available to download in May 2016, and the self-titled album was released in October.The songs are inspired by roots – the sense of place, family and home with most of the songs based on, and named after a particular area of Carmarthenshire that’s close to Carwyn’s heart.“Danybanc was the name of my grandparents’ house and I adored going there for weeks over school holidays when I was young. I’ve moved about so much, Danybanc, in Dinas valley near the village of Trelech in Carmarthenshire, was the only constant place in my life. I was inspired to write songs about the place as it’s so close to my heart and I felt that Plu’s blood-bound harmonies were perfect to represent what I felt about the place.” The album was recorded in Acapela, Drwm and Masonic Lodge studios and co-produced by Mason Neely. Many other instrumentalists also appear on the album, including Georgia Ruth and Patrick Rimes, who add a more orchestral feel to the songs.A short run of shows to coincide with the album’s release were very warmly received, with the four piece being augmented by five extra musicians playing violins, cello, double bass and harp.The album ‘Bendith’ is now available on CD, both in shops and direct from our store, and is also available to download/stream from iTunes, Spotify and Amazon.The Bendith EP, which includes 3 unreleased tracks not available on the album, is now available to stream, download and to buy on limited edition 12″ via Aficionado Recordings.